WordNet
n. fuse consisting of a tube or cord filled or saturated with combustible matter
Wikipedia
The safety fuse is a type of fuse invented and patented by William Bickford in 1831. Originally it consisted of a "tube" of gunpowder surrounded by a waterproofed varnished jute "rope". It replaced earlier and less reliable methods of igniting gunpowder blasting charges which had caused many injuries and deaths in the mining industry. The safety fuse burnt at a rate of typically about 30 seconds per foot (1 second per cm).
Usage examples of "safety fuse".
A safety fuse blew out, causing the flare and the explosion, and a piece of the soft lead-like metal had hit the red-haired lad in the eye.
It was the safety fuse that controlled the device's stimulating power.
The nonelectric ones that wed be using for the compromise device are initiated by the safety fuse burning into them, and cannot be tested.
The trolley was fitted with two short-burn boosters ignited, as before, by means of a length of safety fuse.
He turned to her abruptly, the words exploding as if a safety fuse had blown.
Newmeyer was cutting the safety fuse, leaving the timer fuses they'd brought for Squires to use later.
If Felice tried to penetrate the Mind with her own forces, or if she attempted to choke off the output, instigating feedback, the sentient safety fuse would disrupt.